The Mongol queens of the 13th century ruled the largest empire the world has ever known. Yet sometime near the end of the century, censors cut a section from
The Secret History of the Mongols, leaving a single tantalizing quote from Genghis Khan: “Let us reward our female offspring.” Only this hint of a father’s legacy for his daughters remained of a much larger story.

5 out of 5 stars

Another Great Book

By
Shawn
on
08-09-10

The Crusades

The Authoritative History of the War for the Holy Land

By:
Thomas Asbridge

Narrated by:
Derek Perkins

Length: 25 hrs and 32 mins

Unabridged

Overall

4.5 out of 5 stars
1,140

Performance

4.5 out of 5 stars
1,048

Story

4.5 out of 5 stars
1,039

The Crusades is an authoritative, accessible single-volume history of the brutal struggle for the Holy Land in the Middle Ages. Thomas Asbridge - a renowned historian who writes with "maximum vividness" (Joan Acocella,
The New Yorker) - covers the years 1095 to 1291 in this big, ambitious, listenable account of one of the most fascinating periods in history.

4 out of 5 stars

Comprehensive

By
Tad Davis
on
10-04-16

Leonardo da Vinci

By:
Walter Isaacson

Narrated by:
Alfred Molina

Length: 17 hrs and 1 min

Unabridged

Overall

4.5 out of 5 stars
3,549

Performance

4.5 out of 5 stars
3,195

Story

4.5 out of 5 stars
3,165

Leonardo da Vinci created the two most famous paintings in history,
The Last Supper and the
Mona Lisa. But in his own mind, he was just as much a man of science and engineering. With a passion that sometimes became obsessive, he pursued innovative studies of anatomy, fossils, birds, the heart, flying machines, botany, geology, and weaponry.

5 out of 5 stars

Wish the sample was not from the preface!

By
Kristopher S.
on
11-13-17

Napoleon

A Life

By:
Andrew Roberts

Narrated by:
John Lee

Length: 32 hrs and 55 mins

Unabridged

Overall

4.5 out of 5 stars
2,714

Performance

4.5 out of 5 stars
2,453

Story

4.5 out of 5 stars
2,450

Andrew Roberts'
Napoleon is the first one-volume biography to take advantage of the recent publication of Napoleon's thirty-three thousand letters, which radically transform our understanding of his character and motivation. At last we see him as he was: protean multitasker, decisive, surprisingly willing to forgive his enemies and his errant wife Josephine.

5 out of 5 stars

Excellent Book

By
Steve
on
12-21-14

Alexander the Great

By:
Philip Freeman

Narrated by:
Michael Page

Length: 12 hrs and 34 mins

Unabridged

Overall

5 out of 5 stars
175

Performance

5 out of 5 stars
162

Story

5 out of 5 stars
162

Alexander was born into the royal family of Macedonia, the kingdom that would soon rule over Greece. Tutored as a boy by Aristotle, Alexander had an inquisitive mind that would serve him well when he faced formidable obstacles during his military campaigns. Shortly after taking command of the army, he launched an invasion of the Persian Empire, and continued his conquests as far south as the deserts of Egypt and as far east as the mountains of present-day Pakistan and the plains of India.

5 out of 5 stars

Great book!

By
BadGuidance
on
06-18-17

1177 B.C.

The Year Civilization Collapsed

By:
Eric H. Cline

Narrated by:
Andy Caploe

Length: 8 hrs and 3 mins

Unabridged

Overall

3.5 out of 5 stars
1,431

Performance

4 out of 5 stars
1,312

Story

3.5 out of 5 stars
1,302

In 1177 B.C., marauding groups known only as the "Sea Peoples" invaded Egypt. The pharaoh’s army and navy managed to defeat them, but the victory so weakened Egypt that it soon slid into decline, as did most of the surrounding civilizations. After centuries of brilliance, the civilized world of the Bronze Age came to an abrupt and cataclysmic end. Kingdoms fell like dominoes over the course of just a few decades. No more Minoans or Mycenaeans. No more Trojans, Hittites, or Babylonians.

5 out of 5 stars

But it was all going so well.....

By
Emily
on
04-15-14

The Secret History of the Mongol Queens

How the Daughters of Genghis Khan Rescued His Empire

By:
Jack Weatherford

Narrated by:
Robertson Dean

Length: 10 hrs and 19 mins

Unabridged

Overall

4 out of 5 stars
383

Performance

4.5 out of 5 stars
309

Story

4.5 out of 5 stars
300

The Mongol queens of the 13th century ruled the largest empire the world has ever known. Yet sometime near the end of the century, censors cut a section from
The Secret History of the Mongols, leaving a single tantalizing quote from Genghis Khan: “Let us reward our female offspring.” Only this hint of a father’s legacy for his daughters remained of a much larger story.

5 out of 5 stars

Another Great Book

By
Shawn
on
08-09-10

The Crusades

The Authoritative History of the War for the Holy Land

By:
Thomas Asbridge

Narrated by:
Derek Perkins

Length: 25 hrs and 32 mins

Unabridged

Overall

4.5 out of 5 stars
1,140

Performance

4.5 out of 5 stars
1,048

Story

4.5 out of 5 stars
1,039

The Crusades is an authoritative, accessible single-volume history of the brutal struggle for the Holy Land in the Middle Ages. Thomas Asbridge - a renowned historian who writes with "maximum vividness" (Joan Acocella,
The New Yorker) - covers the years 1095 to 1291 in this big, ambitious, listenable account of one of the most fascinating periods in history.

4 out of 5 stars

Comprehensive

By
Tad Davis
on
10-04-16

Leonardo da Vinci

By:
Walter Isaacson

Narrated by:
Alfred Molina

Length: 17 hrs and 1 min

Unabridged

Overall

4.5 out of 5 stars
3,549

Performance

4.5 out of 5 stars
3,195

Story

4.5 out of 5 stars
3,165

Leonardo da Vinci created the two most famous paintings in history,
The Last Supper and the
Mona Lisa. But in his own mind, he was just as much a man of science and engineering. With a passion that sometimes became obsessive, he pursued innovative studies of anatomy, fossils, birds, the heart, flying machines, botany, geology, and weaponry.

5 out of 5 stars

Wish the sample was not from the preface!

By
Kristopher S.
on
11-13-17

Napoleon

A Life

By:
Andrew Roberts

Narrated by:
John Lee

Length: 32 hrs and 55 mins

Unabridged

Overall

4.5 out of 5 stars
2,714

Performance

4.5 out of 5 stars
2,453

Story

4.5 out of 5 stars
2,450

Andrew Roberts'
Napoleon is the first one-volume biography to take advantage of the recent publication of Napoleon's thirty-three thousand letters, which radically transform our understanding of his character and motivation. At last we see him as he was: protean multitasker, decisive, surprisingly willing to forgive his enemies and his errant wife Josephine.

5 out of 5 stars

Excellent Book

By
Steve
on
12-21-14

Alexander the Great

By:
Philip Freeman

Narrated by:
Michael Page

Length: 12 hrs and 34 mins

Unabridged

Overall

5 out of 5 stars
175

Performance

5 out of 5 stars
162

Story

5 out of 5 stars
162

Alexander was born into the royal family of Macedonia, the kingdom that would soon rule over Greece. Tutored as a boy by Aristotle, Alexander had an inquisitive mind that would serve him well when he faced formidable obstacles during his military campaigns. Shortly after taking command of the army, he launched an invasion of the Persian Empire, and continued his conquests as far south as the deserts of Egypt and as far east as the mountains of present-day Pakistan and the plains of India.

5 out of 5 stars

Great book!

By
BadGuidance
on
06-18-17

1177 B.C.

The Year Civilization Collapsed

By:
Eric H. Cline

Narrated by:
Andy Caploe

Length: 8 hrs and 3 mins

Unabridged

Overall

3.5 out of 5 stars
1,431

Performance

4 out of 5 stars
1,312

Story

3.5 out of 5 stars
1,302

In 1177 B.C., marauding groups known only as the "Sea Peoples" invaded Egypt. The pharaoh’s army and navy managed to defeat them, but the victory so weakened Egypt that it soon slid into decline, as did most of the surrounding civilizations. After centuries of brilliance, the civilized world of the Bronze Age came to an abrupt and cataclysmic end. Kingdoms fell like dominoes over the course of just a few decades. No more Minoans or Mycenaeans. No more Trojans, Hittites, or Babylonians.

5 out of 5 stars

But it was all going so well.....

By
Emily
on
04-15-14

Sapiens

A Brief History of Humankind

By:
Yuval Noah Harari

Narrated by:
Derek Perkins

Length: 15 hrs and 17 mins

Unabridged

Overall

4.5 out of 5 stars
4,890

Performance

5 out of 5 stars
4,333

Story

4.5 out of 5 stars
4,304

Most books about the history of humanity pursue either a historical or a biological approach, but Dr. Yuval Noah Harari breaks the mold with this highly original book. From examining the role evolving humans have played in the global ecosystem to charting the rise of empires,
Sapiens integrates history and science to reconsider accepted narratives, connect past developments with contemporary concerns, and examine specific events within the context of larger ideas.

5 out of 5 stars

Life changing

By
Sam A. Havens
on
09-09-17

Destiny Disrupted

A History of the World through Islamic Eyes

By:
Tamim Ansary

Narrated by:
Tamim Ansary

Length: 17 hrs and 31 mins

Unabridged

Overall

4.5 out of 5 stars
1,237

Performance

4.5 out of 5 stars
1,013

Story

4.5 out of 5 stars
1,004

Until about 1800, the West and the Islamic realm were like two adjacent, parallel universes, each assuming itself to be the center of the world while ignoring the other. As Europeans colonized the globe, the two world histories intersected and the Western narrative drove the other one under. The West hardly noticed, but the Islamic world found the encounter profoundly disrupting.

5 out of 5 stars

Explains the clash between Islam and the West

By
Blake
on
03-26-10

The Story of Human Language

By:
The Great Courses,
John McWhorter

Narrated by:
Professor John McWhorter

Length: 18 hrs and 15 mins

Original Recording

Overall

4.5 out of 5 stars
2,451

Performance

4.5 out of 5 stars
2,226

Story

4.5 out of 5 stars
2,195

Language defines us as a species, placing humans head and shoulders above even the most proficient animal communicators. But it also beguiles us with its endless mysteries, allowing us to ponder why different languages emerged, why there isn't simply a single language, how languages change over time and whether that's good or bad, and how languages die out and become extinct.

5 out of 5 stars

You'll Never Look at Languages the Same Way Again

By
SAMA
on
03-11-14

Food: A Cultural Culinary History

By:
The Great Courses

Narrated by:
Professor Ken Albala Ph.D. Columbia University

Length: 18 hrs and 22 mins

Original Recording

Overall

4.5 out of 5 stars
2,217

Performance

4.5 out of 5 stars
1,998

Story

4.5 out of 5 stars
1,970

Eating is an indispensable human activity. As a result, whether we realize it or not, the drive to obtain food has been a major catalyst across all of history, from prehistoric times to the present. Epicure Jean-Anthelme Brillat-Savarin said it best: "Gastronomy governs the whole life of man."

5 out of 5 stars

One of my top 3 favorite courses!

By
Jessica
on
12-28-13

The Silk Roads

A New History of the World

By:
Peter Frankopan

Narrated by:
Laurence Kennedy

Length: 24 hrs and 17 mins

Unabridged

Overall

4.5 out of 5 stars
1,076

Performance

4.5 out of 5 stars
965

Story

4.5 out of 5 stars
962

It was on the Silk Roads that East and West first encountered each other through trade and conquest, leading to the spread of ideas, cultures, and religions, and it was the appetites for foreign goods that drove economies and the growth of nations. From the first cities in Mesopotamia to the emergence of Greece and Rome to the depredations by the Mongols, the transmission of the Black Death, the struggles of the Great Game, and the fall of Communism - the fate of the West has always been inextricably linked to the East.

5 out of 5 stars

Excellent!

By
Ozren Mui&#263;
on
03-31-16

Guns, Germs and Steel

The Fate of Human Societies

By:
Jared Diamond

Narrated by:
Doug Ordunio

Length: 16 hrs and 20 mins

Unabridged

Overall

4.5 out of 5 stars
4,490

Performance

4 out of 5 stars
3,833

Story

4.5 out of 5 stars
3,830

Having done field work in New Guinea for more than 30 years, Jared Diamond presents the geographical and ecological factors that have shaped the modern world. From the viewpoint of an evolutionary biologist, he highlights the broadest movements both literal and conceptual on every continent since the Ice Age, and examines societal advances such as writing, religion, government, and technology.

5 out of 5 stars

Compelling pre-history and emergent history

By
Doug
on
08-25-11

Astrophysics for People in a Hurry

By:
Neil deGrasse Tyson

Narrated by:
Neil deGrasse Tyson

Length: 3 hrs and 41 mins

Unabridged

Overall

4.5 out of 5 stars
15,464

Performance

5 out of 5 stars
13,904

Story

4.5 out of 5 stars
13,780

What is the nature of space and time? How do we fit within the universe? How does the universe fit within us? There's no better guide through these mind-expanding questions than acclaimed astrophysicist and best-selling author Neil deGrasse Tyson. But today, few of us have time to contemplate the cosmos. So Tyson brings the universe down to Earth succinctly and clearly, with sparkling wit, in digestible chapters consumable anytime and anywhere in your busy day.

5 out of 5 stars

Condensed, concise science meets social philosophy with humor and wit

By
Author Adel
on
05-06-17

The Templars

The Rise and Spectacular Fall of God's Holy Warriors

By:
Dan Jones

Narrated by:
Dan Jones

Length: 15 hrs and 35 mins

Unabridged

Overall

4.5 out of 5 stars
383

Performance

4.5 out of 5 stars
345

Story

4.5 out of 5 stars
342

In 1307, as they struggled to secure their last strongholds in the Kingdom of Jerusalem, the Templars fell afoul of the vindictive and impulsive king of France. On Friday, October 13, hundreds of brothers were arrested en masse, imprisoned, tortured, and disbanded amid accusations of lurid sexual misconduct and heresy. They were tried by the Vatican in secret proceedings. But were they heretics or victims of a ruthlessly repressive state?

5 out of 5 stars

Unexpected

By
Protogere
on
10-30-17

Caesar

Life of a Colossus

By:
Adrian Goldsworthy

Narrated by:
Derek Perkins

Length: 24 hrs and 46 mins

Unabridged

Overall

4.5 out of 5 stars
1,733

Performance

4.5 out of 5 stars
1,573

Story

4.5 out of 5 stars
1,572

Tracing the extraordinary trajectory of Julius Caesar's life, Adrian Goldsworthy covers not only the great Roman emperor's accomplishments as charismatic orator, conquering general, and powerful dictator but also lesser-known chapters. Ultimately, Goldsworthy realizes the full complexity of Caesar's character and shows why his political and military leadership continues to resonate some 2,000 years later.

5 out of 5 stars

Caesar and his times

By
Mike From Mesa
on
08-31-15

The Storm Before the Storm

The Beginning of the End of the Roman Republic

By:
Mike Duncan

Narrated by:
Mike Duncan

Length: 10 hrs and 13 mins

Unabridged

Overall

5 out of 5 stars
1,502

Performance

5 out of 5 stars
1,390

Story

5 out of 5 stars
1,385

The Roman Republic was one of the most remarkable achievements in the history of civilization. After its founding in 509 BCE, the Romans refused to allow a single leader to seize control of the state and grab absolute power. The Roman commitment to cooperative government and peaceful transfers of power was unmatched in the history of the ancient world. But by the year 133 BCE, the republican system was unable to cope with the vast empire Rome now ruled.

5 out of 5 stars

A masterful and relevent book.

By
Anonymous User
on
11-02-17

A World Undone

The Story of the Great War, 1914 to 1918

By:
G. J. Meyer

Narrated by:
Robin Sachs

Length: 27 hrs and 58 mins

Unabridged

Overall

4.5 out of 5 stars
2,373

Performance

4.5 out of 5 stars
2,194

Story

4.5 out of 5 stars
2,177

The First World War is one of history’s greatest tragedies. In this remarkable and intimate account, author G. J. Meyer draws on exhaustive research to bring to life the story of how the Great War reduced Europe’s mightiest empires to rubble, killed 20 million people, and cracked the foundations of the world we live in today. World War I is unique in the number of questions about it that remain unsettled. After more than 90 years, scholars remain divided on these questions, and it seems likely that they always will.

5 out of 5 stars

Excellent Overview of the "Overshadowed" War

By
Ignacio
on
12-14-12

History's Great Military Blunders and the Lessons They Teach

By:
The Great Courses

Narrated by:
Professor Gregory S. Aldrete PhD

Length: 12 hrs and 12 mins

Original Recording

Overall

4.5 out of 5 stars
1,376

Performance

4.5 out of 5 stars
1,240

Story

4.5 out of 5 stars
1,232

Military history often highlights successes and suggests a sense of inevitability about victory, but there is so much that can be gleaned from considering failures. Study these crucibles of history to gain a better understanding of why a civilization took - or didn't take - a particular path.

5 out of 5 stars

Hindsight Bias?

By
Charles Grayson
on
07-11-16

Publisher's Summary

The Mongol army led by Genghis Khan subjugated more lands and people in 25 years than the Romans did in 400. In nearly every country the Mongols conquered, they brought an unprecedented rise in cultural communication, expanded trade, and a blossoming of civilization.

Vastly more progressive than his European or Asian counterparts, Genghis Khan abolished torture, granted universal religious freedom, and smashed feudal systems of aristocratic privilege. From the story of his rise through the tribal culture to the explosion of civilization that the Mongol Empire unleashed, this brilliant work of revisionist history is nothing less than the epic story of how the modern world was made.

Critic Reviews

"With appreciative descriptions of the sometimes tender tyrant, this chronicle supplies just enough personal and world history to satisfy any reader." (Publishers Weekly)

"There is very little time for reading in my new job. But of the few books I've read, my favourite is Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World by Jack Weatherford. It's a fascinating book portraying Genghis Khan in a totally new light. It shows that he was a great secular leader, among other things." (Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of India)

"Weatherford's admiration for Genghis and his firsthand knowledge of many of the sites important in Mongol history give this text an immediacy and a visual quality that are enhanced by Davis’s presentation. When the narrative begins to lag in its final hour or two as it moves farther from the twelfth century, Davis's crisp pace maintains the listener’s interest to the end. An informative and provocative work of popular history." (AudioFile)

Brilliant, insightful, intriguing.

What a comprehensive and fascinating detailed history of the great Khans. Weatherford's mastery as a researcher is on full display and is truly up to the task of investigating and sharing the incredible evidence he witnessed being uncovered. The performance is also brilliant. Just to hear the reader pronounce so many names which are difficult to pronounce and read in English with so much confidence, clarity, precision and consistency is worth the price of admission alone. To me this book is a high water mark for its combination of content, performance and new information. Its an instant classic highly recommended. Flawless.

Fantastic

Western histories tend to avoid this bit - this book fixes that big time. It is a history, but with about as much characterization as is possible. It is filled with details and I learned a lot and enjoyed every minute. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in history. The story is filled with action and intrigue, technology and religion, war and even a little peace. It is more than just the novelty that makes this a wonderful listen, it is the story and the characters.

A Classic

Tolerant, wise, enlightened, brilliant outside of war... hardly adjectives to describe the historical figure we have come to know as Genghis Khan. Yet this is only the surface of the positive attributes described by Jack Weatherford. Genghis Khan was one who lived in the 12th century but had so much to contribute to the modern world it is really quite unbelievable. Genghis Khan&#8217;s people came from within tribes to successfully govern over and administer to a land-mass of cities, states and countries greater than no other in history.

I was brought up on black and white TV watching cowboys and Indians. Like everyone else of my generation, we were taught the Indians were savage and barbaric... not too unlike what we are taught about the Mongolian people. Perhaps there have been others but this was my first read revisionist history to lend some balance about another tribe of People who have been so long persecuted even to this day.

For me the book had just enough about the military campaigns to reveal that aspect of of Genghis Kahn without overshadowing all of his contributions and what exactly the entire world was like back then. The book is so relevant for today&#8217;s world. This is a book about history, literature, religion, philosophy and of course cultural anthropology. The balance of all things in this book were exquisite.

For me this was an incredible book, scholarly written and beautifully narrated.

A passionate, eye-opening chunk of history

The writer, Weatherford, is not what you'd call a great prose stylist, but the story he tells is stunning, and he did all the leg-work. His heart is in it. If you want to know how the modern world was born, listen to this.

Golden Horde/Platinum Listen

Universal free education. Widespread literacy. Secular government. Freedom of religion. Ambassadors from other countries. Translators and interpreters. Diplomatic immunity. A consumer-driven economy. Free trade agreements. Huge technological advances in communications. Paper money based on precious metals and gem reserves. Pensions for military veterans, and lifelong benefits for survivors of those killed in action. Support for scholars. Doctors and lawyers. Laws that applied equally to the rulers as well as the ruled. A Supreme Court. Meticulous record keeping, using complex mathematics and calculators. Multiculturalism. An empire bigger than North and Central America, combined.

The Mongol Empire under Genghis Khan and his grandson, Kubla Khan - and lesser known Great Khans - was astonishingly advanced, especially in contrast to Europe, which at the time, was mired in futile attempts - The Crusades - to 'free' the Holy Lands from Muslims.

I knew that Genghis Khan was an innovative military leader who both invented and eschewed conventional warfare. Genghis Khan created the "decimal" system of soldiers of 10 soldiers to a 'squad', which is still used in modern military. A 'company' was 10 squads; a battalion was 10 'companies' . . . and so on. The term "decimal" is author Jack Weatherford's term; the other terms are mine, analogizing to modern military organizational structure. At the same time, Genghis Khan used innovative military weapons - including gun powder - and improved on existing weapons. His tactics - like waging war on multiple fronts, feinting defeat, and skilled infiltrators - are common today, but unique 900 years ago. Psychological warfare was a key part of Genghis Khan's military success - he encouraged stories of Mongol brutality and ruthlessness to encourage surrender.

Until I listened to Weatherford's "Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World" (2004), I had no idea who Genghis Khan was, beyond his military skill. I spent a good part of the book wondering why, with advanced courses in European, Chinese and Russian history, I had essentially missed a crucial empire. In the Afterward, I found out: I am too old.

During China's Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) a Chinese/Mongolian version of "The Secret History of the Mongols" (~1240, author unknown) was used to teach Chinese scholars the Mongolian language. It gradually stopped being used, and by the 19th century, there were very few copies. The first definitive English translation was Harvard-Yenching Institute's translation (Francis Woodman Cleaves, 1982). Urgunge Onon's 2001 translation is much more readable. Both are scholarly, often cited works. From 1924 to 1990, the Soviet Union controlled Mongolia and did its best to eradicate evidence of other civilizations, and kept the rest of the world from the country. Exactly who Genghis Khan was, how the Mongol Empire started, and how it thrived was hidden for almost 700 years.

Weatherford's "Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World" opened a new civilization and a new perspective for me. Definitely worth the listen.

Chills

I listen to audiobooks commuting to and from work and until Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World never had listened to one that actually kept me in the car for longer than necessary. I'd be idling for extended time while it got later and later listening to this incredible work.

The narration is great and the story is spellbinding. I bought the book on a whim and have no regrets.

The first half is much better than the second half, but I enjoyed the story immensely from start to finish and highly recommend.

Stunning News! Great story.

It is hard to believe that we were taught so little about such a major part of our worlds history. I guess that can be partly attributed to the fear that the powers had of even the story of such a man as Genghis Khan. I loved every minute of this book. It reads more like a novel than history. I hope that this will filter down into our education system as it is important to know the hands that shaped our world into what it is today. Genghis Khan was one of the most influential of those hands. Excellent book. Highly recommended.

Forget what you've been taught in the past!

I am not a big reader of history, but this caught my eye, and I was not disappointed. The audiobook is a little bit hard to follow, in terms of the large amount of information and its organization. So, it isn't a casual, or bedtime, read (listen). That said, I would include this in my short, "must listen" list since it is such a stereotype busting book. It will change your perception of the past with lessons that clearly apply to today's world. For me it ranks up there with Sun Tzu's Art of War -- albeit a much more engaging read.

Superb History

This book was extremely interesting and informative. It filled in the missing gaps of my personal history knowledge. The style is fluid and easy to follow and the reader has a very pleasant and soothing voice.
Fantastic read or listen. Highly recommend.

You need to read this book.

I have either been asleep at the switch my whole life or no one took the time to really teach me history. I had no idea that the world was anything like this book depicts. Your notion about history will change forever once you have read this fantastic book. It really is a game changer.

60 of 70 people found this review helpful

Sort by:

Overall

5 out of 5 stars

Simone Teufel

06-30-10

Amazing! Wonderful! Couldn't get enough!

I stumbled onto this one by chance, and quickly grew to love it -- who'd ever know that much about the Mongols and how they changed the world? Years of research have gone into this book, and it shows. The 'Secret History', an original Mongol document about Gengis Khan's life, only became available for researchers quite recently, so there is now a wealth of brand new information. Many surprises, many really astonishing facts are waiting for the listener! The prose is at the right pace, not patronizing, not too scientific. One can also feel how much the author simply loves Mongolia... Good reader too. I simply couldn't get enough and was thirsting for more when it was over. I am now going to read his other books...

29 of 33 people found this review helpful

Overall

5 out of 5 stars

Performance

5 out of 5 stars

Story

5 out of 5 stars

Philip vH

01-25-15

Liked it so much I didn't want it to end

Would you listen to Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World again? Why?

I actually already did start to listen to it again. This book is so packed full of interesting stories and information, I found it hard to retain them all from one listen.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World?

I never thought a history book would keep me so entertained and interested. This one certainely did, the story of Gengis Kahn and his sucessors is told so well it almost reads like a novel. I loved the way this book changed my understanding of world history, illustrating the impact of the mongol empire on the world.

What about Jack Weatherford and Jonathan Davis ’s performance did you like?

Despite being packed with historical information, place names, dates and significant people, this book does not read like a history book at all. The story flows incredibly well and keeps you coming back for more. The reader has a voice that is very nice to listen to, becomes noticable when the reader changes for the afteroword.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I wouldn't say "moved" but I did get excited about this book and recommended it to friends and family.

Any additional comments?

The ultimate measure of a non-fiction book must be if it changes the way you think and see the world. This one absolutely changed my understanding of history.

13 of 16 people found this review helpful

Overall

5 out of 5 stars

Performance

5 out of 5 stars

Story

5 out of 5 stars

KAROLINA R.

09-09-16

like a great story

the book is like a great story, chronologically organised, easy to follow, full of interesting bits of info. I recommend it!

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Overall

5 out of 5 stars

Performance

5 out of 5 stars

Story

5 out of 5 stars

Dave

08-10-16

well worth your time. great

love it got a far greater no about them than before I listen to this

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Overall

5 out of 5 stars

Performance

5 out of 5 stars

Story

5 out of 5 stars

Omotola Alade

08-06-16

amazing story

this was a great telling of genghis khan who was a man that stood up to injustices of the class system in his society and invested in meritocracy. i think the taking over the world goal was intended by him only later but he was very intent on righting wrongs and preserving their way of life but through in intended consequences he changed mongolia and the rest of the world forever.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Overall

5 out of 5 stars

Performance

5 out of 5 stars

Story

5 out of 5 stars

Asif Mohammed

08-02-16

gives a totally new perspective on the mongols

makes you think if the empire remained intact how much more could have civilisation advanced

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Overall

5 out of 5 stars

Performance

5 out of 5 stars

Story

5 out of 5 stars

P. Sleet

06-09-16

Excellent.

Would you consider the audio edition of Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World to be better than the print version?

What other book might you compare Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World to, and why?

"The rise and fall of the Roman Empire", is also about civilisation changing events

Any additional comments?

Mongols and Tyranny are usually negative attributes in modern contexts. However, after listening to this book it is clear that the modern world owes so much to the developments brought to the fore by the Mongols. This book presents both sides and adds contextual balance, In some ways the vision of the dynasty of Genghis Khan for "one world" under one law gives Xanadu a whole new meaning.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Overall

5 out of 5 stars

Performance

4 out of 5 stars

Story

5 out of 5 stars

Scythian

11-24-15

A book that fully illustrates the power of history

This is fascinating interpretation of the history of the Mongol empire and it's Khans, particularly Genghis Khan and their influence, direct or otherwise, to the modern world, and long overdue recognition of its contribution to the modern western world.This, to me, illustrates the importance of history, and how from it we learn to understand more of what we have now, and could have in the future. I thoroughly enjoyed every bit of this, and would thoroughly recommend it to anyone interested in seeing the world from a different perspective.

8 of 10 people found this review helpful

Overall

5 out of 5 stars

Performance

5 out of 5 stars

Story

5 out of 5 stars

David Jackson

09-18-15

simply amazing

I thought I knew something about the Mongol Empire. I was wrong. This book has shown me the richness of the legacy of an empire that changed the course of all of world history in infinite ways but of which my education has taught me next to nothing. I am incredibly thankful for having come across this book.

7 of 9 people found this review helpful

Overall

5 out of 5 stars

Performance

5 out of 5 stars

Story

5 out of 5 stars

Mukesh

06-05-15

Great book

I really did not know much about Genghis Khan and this book was brilliant in teaching me something. The narrator was so impressive. It is one of the best books that I have listened to.

7 of 9 people found this review helpful

Sort by:

Overall

5 out of 5 stars

Performance

5 out of 5 stars

Story

5 out of 5 stars

Brendan shadwell

09-02-15

Brilliant

A well researched story that not only goes into the the great Genghis Khan but also his legacy and family history. The most interesting parts were probably of his descendants taking over Russia, China and the middle East. The narration is also top notch and he's excited about the topic ,very easy listening. Definitely a must listen for anyone who appreciates history.

4 of 5 people found this review helpful

Overall

5 out of 5 stars

Performance

5 out of 5 stars

Story

5 out of 5 stars

Amazon Customer

09-25-17

Surprisingly good

I wasn't sure if I would like this book when I purchased it, but after the first chapter I was hooked. I knew that the Mongolians played an important part with intertwining east with west, after reading this it's hard to believe how the world would be with out Genghis Khan. Anyone with the tiniest once of curiosity should listen to this book.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Overall

5 out of 5 stars

Performance

5 out of 5 stars

Story

5 out of 5 stars

Simon

02-05-18

Great insight into history of the Mongols

Really enjoyed this book. Gave a completely different perspective on the role of Genghis Khan and the Mongols in world history, can definitely recommend to anyone with an interest in the major drivers of world history.

Overall

5 out of 5 stars

Performance

5 out of 5 stars

Story

5 out of 5 stars

Kyle

02-04-18

Entertaining and insightful

Great presenter, awesome story and compelling evidence to the claims made in the book. The story of Ghenkis Khan is not what you think

Overall

5 out of 5 stars

Performance

5 out of 5 stars

Story

5 out of 5 stars

Amnon

01-23-18

Superb, Fascinating and wonderful!!

What made the experience of listening to Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World the most enjoyable?

One of the most amazing part of world history that yet little is known about it. This book is truly an eye opener to one of the most interesting episodes in human history!! Written in a delightful way and narrated wonderfully, Love it!

What did you like best about this story?

The history itself. It's absolutely MIND BLOWING!

What does Jack Weatherford and Jonathan Davis bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

Combining countless historical records in an interesting and fascinating way. This story is larger than life and I appreciate the effort that went into collecting all the pieces of the puzzle to tell a single coherent story.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Listened to it on my daily commute over a total of a couple of weeks. But given the opportunity I would listen to it for longer periods.

Any additional comments?

MUST READ / LISTEN!

Overall

4 out of 5 stars

Performance

5 out of 5 stars

Story

4 out of 5 stars

Kindle Customer

01-20-18

opened my mind

an interesting and mind opening account of the life of a man who have been slandered by history and taught to us as a barbaric savage. the contributions of the Mongol empire to the modern world is unmistakable. this book will change your mind about how our society was made.

Overall

4 out of 5 stars

Performance

5 out of 5 stars

Story

4 out of 5 stars

Clare Donnelly

11-01-17

enlightening and thought provoking

loved itextremely well narratedwould recommend it to anyone interested in history. Eye opening

Overall

5 out of 5 stars

Performance

5 out of 5 stars

Story

5 out of 5 stars

Bernadette Starling

10-25-17

Insightful and well told

Jack Weatherford's study of primary source material has produced a brilliant book. It is a work of non-fiction that you cannot stop listening to. Weatherford's insights into trade, money and science (and how the Mongols spread these things) make this book incredibly valuable. The performance was also excellent-the reader was not annoying.